polyvinyl acetate, a colourless, water-insoluble resin belonging to the family of organic polymers, prepared by treating its monomer, vinyl acetate, with peroxide catalystsPVAca synthetic resin prepared by the polymerization of vinyl acetate. In its most important application, polyvinyl acetate comprises serves as the film-forming ingredient of in water-based (latex) paints; it also is used in adhesives, lacquers, and cements and as the starting material for making polyvinyl alcohol (q.v.).

Vinyl acetate (CH2=CHO2CCH3) is prepared from ethylene by reaction with oxygen and acetic acid over a palladium catalyst. Under the action of free-radical initiators, vinyl acetate monomers (single-unit molecules) can be linked into long, branched polymers (large, multiple-unit molecules), in which the structure of the vinyl acetate repeating units is:.

The monomer can be polymerized while dispersed in water to form a milky-white emulsion. This fluid can be processed directly into latex paints, in which the PVAc forms a strong, flexible, adherent film. It can also be made into a common household adhesive known as white glue or Elmer’s glue.

When employed in coatings or adhesives, PVAc is often partially hydrolyzed to a water-soluble polymer known as polyvinyl alcohol.